Morris wants to be your Douglas County Sheriff

The Wenatchee Business Journal recently interviewed Douglas County Sheriff candidate Kevin Morris about why he wants to be elected as the next sheriff. He currently serves as the Undersheriff, but longtime Sheriff Harvey Gjesdale is retiring so he wants to step up.

Here is what Morris had to say about various subjects:

Wenatchee Business Journal: Why do you want the responsibility of managing a branch of government that impacts everybody on a daily basis?

Kevin Morris: I have spent my entire adult life serving our country and our community, from the U.S. Navy to local law enforcement. I am driven to continue to serve and protect. I have the experience, education, and knowledge it takes to continue to lead this amazing agency. In my current position as Undersheriff, I have been given the opportunity to test my abilities and continue to grow with amazing support and significant success.

WBJ: What drug problem or violent crime against fellow citizens is your focus going to be on if you win?

Morris: In the recent years we have seen a rise in Fentanyl, heroin, sexual assault and mental health problems. We have been working hard to address these issues through training, partnerships and open communication with our local mental health agency, advocacy programs, schools and drug task force(s). If elected I will continue to build upon and maintain our strong communication and relationships with all of our resources to ensure we can provide the very best in public safety.   

WBJ: Does Douglas County have specific law enforcement issues unique to it or are we just average in most criminal categories?

Morris: Douglas County faces the same challenges as our neighbors do, which is one of the many reasons we maintain such a strong relationship with all of our public safety partners. Communication and cooperation with our partners is a key element in being successful in the mission to maintain quality of life through public safety.

WBJ: What is your management method in regards to subordinates?

Morris: I am passionate about teamwork, communication and hard work.  I fully believe in leading by example. I often use the phrase influential leadership versus positional leadership. To me the difference is key.  A positional leader simply directs someone using their “position” as the motivating factor for compliance. An influential leader builds direction through teamwork and communication. This type of leadership embraces all who are involved, utilizing their experiences and expertise to help make the very best decisions. At the end of the day the Sheriff does make the final decision, but it is important to understand the process in getting to that decision and the success of its outcome relies on the people asked to perform.

WBJ: Will you make efforts at empowering the Hispanic community so more cooperation is given to the DCSO?

Morris: I will make every effort to continue to empower all of our citizens.  With over 1,800 square miles and only 30 commissioned deputies, we often rely on our citizens to act as our eyes and ears. It is imperative our citizens feel comfortable, safe and trust their Sheriff’s office. We accomplish this through transparency, approachability, and involvement.  

WBJ: Does the DCSO already have a number of bilingual officers and an outreach program?

Morris: We do have several bilingual deputies and many more who may not be considered bilingual, but can communicate quite well through their own efforts to learn Spanish. I am confident these deputies have worked hard to learn this second language not only to make their job easier, but to embrace their community.

WBJ: Are there areas where you feel improvements can be made at the DCSO whether in enforcement or education of the public or in personnel?

Morris: I am very proud of this Sheriff’s Office. I have over 23 years of Law Enforcement experience, 18 of those years have been with this Sheriff’s Office. During my time here, I have served as a road deputy, Sergeant and now the Undersheriff, which is second in command. I know first hand the efforts taken to constantly improve and grow over the years.  I believe any profession requires the constant drive to push forward and improve as improvements are needed. As Sheriff I will make sure we never become content, but rather constantly looking forward and staying open to change.  

WBJ: Tell the readers about your life in law enforcement and any particular incidents or cases that may have motivated or even upset you?  

Morris: I was born and raised in Brewster Washington. I graduated from Brewster High School in 1991 and enlisted into the United States Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga in the Mediterranean. I started my law enforcement career in Brewster in 1994 as a Brewster Reserve Police Officer and was hired as a full time Brewster Police Officer in 1995.
I also worked in the community as an assistant High School Track and Field coach for the Brewster School District. In 2014 I was appointed as the Undersheriff (second in command) and oversee the Administration Division managing the budget, assets, grant preparation, contracts and the emergency management program.
I have dedicated my life to service and duty and have embraced the county and the role of the Sheriff’s Office in improving the quality of life for its citizens through public safety. I am well versed in the depth and scope of the office of Sheriff and am is eager to continue my service to the citizens of Douglas County.

Editor's Note: The Wenatchee Business Journal and the Quad City Herald are both members of the NCW Media family of community newspapers.